METROLINK services between Bury and Manchester were thrown into chaos after a tram failed and partly gridlocked the system.

The Altrincham-bound vehicle broke down at Prestwich station around 4pm on Friday (Nov 9).

Passengers were forced to leave the tram as it awaited assistance.

A Piccadilly-bound vehicle, which was travelling behind, managed to couple itself to the broken down tram after a 20-minute attempt.

Travelling at 12mph, it then shunted the failed vehicle to the Metrolink depot at Queen's Road.

But both sets of passengers were left behind at Prestwich.

Subsequent services were severely disrupted and were subject to numerous stops at signals along the line until the broken tram reached Manchester.